You know how sometimes we mention that we're
completely shocked that an act is
unsigned? You know how sometimes this
shock turns to excitement that because they're unsigned, we can write about them? Yeah, that's happening right now
times ten. Native New Yorker Emily King, is one of those rare
industry gems that's just oozing with raw talent. She doesn't need lights, auto
tune or pyrotechnics to sell records. Nope, all Emily needs to win over an
audience is her insanely captivating vocals paired with her delicate and
feminine songs.

But, in the spirit of full disclosure we feel it's
important to you that at one point, Emily was signed. And we're not talking about a tiny indie label either; we're talking
about J records which is home to recording artists like Fantasia, Jamie Foxx
and Alicia Keys. In 2007, Emily's critically acclaimed debut album East Side Story was released. Her first
single "Walk In My Shoes" (later re-released to include a verse by rapper Lupe
Fiasco) didn't place high on the charts. But for true King fans, the song was a
great introduction to Emily's talents and more importantly was a window into
the themes and social issues which inspired Emily's writing. But, in typical
major label fashion, slow album sales trumped the actual music and shortly
after her release, King was dropped from her label. "I'm better
without the label," says King. "It's like when you hear people say they're glad
they went through something because they've learned lessons from it. There are
some decisions I would have made differently but whatever. It doesn't make me
anti music industry. I've grown up, it's all good."

While J records may have overlooked King's talent,
the Grammy's certainly did not. Yes, you heard right. We said, The Grammys. In December of 2007, King's
debut East Side Story was a nominee
for Best Contemporary R&B Album. That
same year, King embarked on a national tour with John Legend. "The
John legend tour was great" King remembers. "My band mates were amazing and we
laughed the entire time." So what does an extremely
talented and driven Grammy nominee do when she's dropped from her label? Her
own (and may we say, amazing) thing.
Happier than ever, King is a staple at local venues in her hometown of NYC and
has plans to release a new album independently in 2011. While we've only heard
three songs from the new album, from what we can tell it's incredible and
certain major label is going to be eating their words...very soon.

Intrigued and want to hear more? Check her out on emilykingmusic.com or on MySpace and of course you can follow her on Twitter. Check it all out and let us know what you think in the comments section below!